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Journo sorry for striking candidate

The Australian newspaper has published an apology to
failed Labor candidate George Newhouse after its award-winning
journalist Caroline Overington struck him at a polling booth on
election day.

Witnesses said Ms Overington hurled abuse at Mr Newhouse before
slapping him across the face and storming away.

Ms Overington denied slapping Mr Newhouse but said she pushed
him away with an open hand when he approached her.

The Australian today published an apology to Mr
Newhouse for the "encounter", which it said Ms Overington
"sincerely regrets".

"She hopes that she and Mr Newhouse can put this incident behind
them and she wishes him all the best," the apology read.

"The Australian regrets any embarrassment Mr Newhouse
has endured and also wishes him well."

Earlier in the election campaign rival newspapers published a
series of flirtatious emails Ms Overington sent to Mr Newhouse.

The Walkley Award winner also became embroiled in a dispute
involving a series of emails she sent to independent candidate Dani
Ecuyer - Mr Newhouse's ex-girlfriend - urging her to preference
Wentworth Liberal MP Malcolm Turnbull.